Stephanie Sweany, Founder/Kindness Coordinator
I started Canton Kindness Coalition to make kindness contagious, to amplify positive acts in our community. I wanted to create a space where everyone could play a part, anyone who wanted to impact our community, to touch people’s lives, to brighten their day, could call our group home. Our events revolve around what our members feel and what they are passionate about. Kindness is important because everyone needs it! An act of kindness can completely turn someone’s day around or even turn their life around. Showing an act of kindness towards someone can cause a chain reaction spreading goodwill and kindness far beyond. I have, fortunately witnessed many acts of kindness, but there is one that sticks out. I was at a local restaurant on a cold, rainy day when a gentleman came in and asked for a cup of water. The waiter asked if he wanted anything else and he shook his head and said he didn’t have any money. Ten minutes later, the waiter comes out with coffee, a burger, and some fries. Someone in the restaurant bought this gentleman dinner. He was so grateful, put his hands togethers and said thank you over and over again. What a difference that one small act meant to that man. It didn’t take much effort to this mystery buyer to get him dinner, but what a powerful response they got. We can all perform small acts everyday, no matter who we are or where we are. We all can make a difference. We all can make kindness contagious!
I love doing random acts of kindness for others and I am excited to be involved with the Canton Kindness Coalition. I feel that kindness is important because you never know what another person is going through. Sometimes, something as simple as giving away a smile may help to make someone else’s day a little bit brighter. Here is an example of kindness that I am fortunate enough to be a part of. A group of my friends has a birthday club. We celebrate each other’s birthdays, but instead of spending money on a card for one another, we decided to bring a small monetary gift. The birthday girl collects the birthday money and chooses her favorite charity to make a donation. It is our hope that we are making a small difference!
Abigail Tanner
I am a part of Canton Kindness Coalition because I love helping other people out and giving back to my community. What better way to do this then doing random acts of kindness. Kindness is important part of our society that has seem to go to the wayside and should be something everyone does more of. A simple act of kindness can turn someone’s day around and help create a positive vibe. Everyone needs kindness in their lives! I have seen many acts of kindness over the years but the one that stuck out to me was a little boy dropped his ice cream cone all over the sidewalk right after he got it, the lady behind him bought him another one. This made the little boy’s day and put a smile on his face. We can all do a simple act of kindness to help brighten someone’s day. Let’s be a positive influence and make kindness contagious in the community!
More profiles coming soon!